The Omni Grove Park Inn

Asheville, North Carolina

First opened for play in 1899, then redesigned in 1923 by master golf course architect Donald Ross, the 6,700 yard, par 70 layout is a shotmaker's challenge with emphasis on accuracy rather than power. From beneath the crest of Sunset Mountain, the players' ascent from the level front nine to the gentle slopes of the back nine offer spectacular views. This course is immaculately maintained and is considered one of the finest conditioned courses in Western North Carolina.Traditions of the Course: As early as 1919, British golfing greats Harry Vardon and Ted Ray made summer stops to play exhibition matches here. Since then, the greatest golfers of their era have enjoyed the course, from the immortal Bobby Jones (through two decades as a PGA Tour stop) to players such as Gene Sarazen, Walter Hagen, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead and Byron Nelson. Recent exhibitions have featured PGA stars Doug Sanders, Gene Littler, Fuzzy Zoeller and Chip Beck.